Abu Dhabi: Drivers who jump red lights might think their act has gone unnoticed but thanks to new technology the police’s new infrared cameras work without using a flash.
“The intersection surveillance system has been implemented in the emirate of Abu Dhabi since 2012 and is considered a comprehensive project which aims to enhance road safety. Under this five-year scheme cameras are being installed at 150 intersections in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region,” said Brigadier Hussain Ahmad Al Harithi, director of Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrol Directorate.
In its first phase 40 infrared cameras are being installed at a variety of intersections in the city of Abu Dhabi.
“The cameras are fully equipped to cover five lanes in all directions and are able to read licence plates belonging to all moving vehicles in addition to counting the number of cars on the road at any given time. The instruments are also capable of assessing the average speed on the road and the number of pedestrians and the direction in which they are moving,” Al Harithi added.
The project is part of an integrated system which links directly to the Police Operating Room and the Variable Message Sign systems (VMS) that are to be implemented in the capital.
The official added that the directorate is exerting all efforts to ensure a safer road environment for all users by adding traffic control equipment on the capital’s roads. These initiatives are being carried out alongside the police’s ‘Together’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about driving rules through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to reach out to all sectors of society.
Police officials are warning drivers not to use their mobile phones when driving due to the danger that such an act poses.
In May this year, a 19-year-old Emirati was killed and an Arab national sustained moderate injuries in the Al Ain industrial area when the Emirati jumped a red signal.
Driving a 4x4 vehicle, the 19-year-old collided with three other vehicles at an intersection. The Emirati died after being transported to a hospital for treatment and the Arab was taken to Tawam Hospital.
Six people have died and two others were seriously injured in 65 road accidents this year that were the result of drivers jumping red lights in the capital as of June 24.
